CCTV shows the terrifying moment a stranger offered a woman "help" before attempting to sexually assault her .
The man approached the woman before dragging her away and attempting to sexually assault her
Police want to trace the man in the footage following the attempted attack on Tithebarn Street in Liverpool the early hours of March 27.
Officers said the woman became separated from friends near to the junction with Vernon Street, when she was approached at around 4.30am, the Liverpool Echo reported .
The man made an offer to help her find a taxi rank but after walking for a short time, he dragged her into a shop doorway and attempted to assault her.
The woman was able to escape on foot.
Police described the man as Asian, in his early 20s, of medium height and wearing a blue jacket and jeans.
Detective Inspector Colin Rennison from Liverpool CID said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim, who was led to believe she was being helped by a stranger before the incident took place, and we are keen to speak to anyone who recognises the man from this footage to contact police.
“We can see from the CCTV that cars were in the area, including a private hire taxi which appears to stop close to the time and place of the offence.
“Any information provided, however small, could prove vital to our investigation.”
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